A popular bridal item has been urgently withdrawn from sale following the discovery of a hazardous chemical ingredient. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a recall notice for Hania Bridal Henna Paste, manufactured by Angel Fashion, due to a serious chemical risk.
Serious Health Hazards Identified
The recall was prompted by the presence of phenol, a substance prohibited in cosmetic products under EU regulations. Phenol, also known as carbolic acid or hydroxybenzene, can cause severe skin burns and eye damage upon contact. If swallowed, it is toxic and may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, and sweating.
Potential Severe Consequences
In extreme cases, exposure to high concentrations of phenol can result in drowsiness, respiratory and cardiac issues, lung and kidney damage, or even death. The UK Government warns that phenol is rapidly absorbed into the body, amplifying its dangerous effects.
Regulatory Non-Compliance
The affected product, described as a green foil cone used for temporary tattooing, fails to meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, commonly known as the Cosmetics Regulation. Additionally, improvements are required in product labelling and information to ensure consumer safety.
Broader Context of Cosmetic Recalls
This incident follows closely on the heels of another cosmetic recall. Glow & Lovely Hydraglow Rose Enrich Serum Cream was recently withdrawn from the market by Lajawab Foods Limited due to incorrect ingredient listings and failure to specify fragrance allergens, posing a serious chemical risk to consumers with sensitivities.
Understanding Phenol's Uses and Risks
Phenol is found in small quantities in various products such as paints, polishes, adhesives, and solvents. In the EU, it is permitted in consumer products at concentrations up to 2.5% and in soaps and shampoos up to 1%. It is also used in medical applications like chemical skin-peelers and disinfectants.
Immediate Actions Required
Consumers in possession of Hania Bridal Henna Paste are advised to cease use immediately and contact the distributor, Angel Fashion, for redress. The product has been fully withdrawn from sale to prevent further health risks.
This recall highlights ongoing concerns about chemical safety in cosmetics, particularly items used in traditional rituals like bridal henna applications, underscoring the importance of stringent regulatory compliance and consumer vigilance.
